About this role
Job Title
Senior Production Operator
Work Schedule
Equal Rotation
Department
Production
Work Location
HKN Atrush Block, Dohuk Kurdistan Region of Iraq – any of HKN's site.
Reports to
Field Manager
Start Date
To be confirmed
Subordinates
N/A
Application Deadline
September 30, 2026
Contract Type
Open Contract
Other details
Three months' probation
About Us:
HKN Energy Ltd. is a privately held, independent energy company with oil exploration and production operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
HKN Energy is focused on increasing production of its Sarsang Block, located in the prolific Zagros fold, and thrust belt of Northern Kurdistan. We have a highly experienced, diverse team with work experience in over 80 different countries. HKN Energy is committed to building a company culture that is guided by its Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Commitment, and Teamwork.
Position Summary
The Senior Production Operator is responsible to the Production Facility Manager, Production Superintendent, or Production Supervisor for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of HKN production facilities at remote locations, including wellheads, Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs), oil production systems, storage facilities, and export systems. The primary responsibility of this role is the monitoring and safe operation of ESP's and associated equipment. The role also involves operating and monitoring well-site production plants and associated equipment in a safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient manner while ensuring production targets and operational standards are met. The candidate need to work on a 2-weeks-on, 2-weeks-off rotation and will be based at HKN remote camps during the on-shift period.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
• Monitor and operate ESP's, Wellheads, and all plant equipment, intervene to prevent upset and unsafe conditions occurring.
• Able to Start, adjust pump speed, Interpret, and download downhole data on an Electrical Submersible Pump.
• Monitor and operate all plant equipment including Hydraulic Wellhead Control Panel and Intervene to prevent upset and unsafe conditions occurring.
• Involved in all production operation activities as directed by the Production Supervisor/Superintendent.
• Meet or exceed installation hydrocarbon production targets and plans through safe, efficient and effective operation of the facility.
• Be able to follow the processing facility from the P&IDs and walk the lines confidently identifying all tagged equipment, valves and instrumentation and having a thorough knowledge of the function of each of these items.
• Understand PSD/ESD/F&G systems and processes.
• Ability to review technical manuals, cause and effects and P&ID drawings.
• Able to work in and understand the limitations of extreme weather.
• Work safely and integrate with other production operators in best safe practices.
• Regulate and optimise chemical usage and maintain chemical inventory.
• Maintain high standard of housekeeping in areas of responsibility and facility in general.
• Identify variations in production plant performance and effectively address each situation.
• Properly document and accurately report all operational readings, adjustments, and inspections.
• Input to the safe systems of wok.
• Assume role of Performing Authority when required.
• Perform process isolations/de-isolations as required.
• Undertake training as offered by the company.
• Comprehensive written and verbal handovers.
• Review and update Operating Procedures.
• Adhere to safe systems of work and procedures. Comply with existing Company standards.
• Member of the emergency response team and comply with Company Emergency. Response Procedures and plans.
• Demonstrates a personal commitment to Health, Safety, and the Environment.
• Ability to stop any planned work deemed as unsafe in accordance with the permit to work system
Minimum Qualifications
• Candidates ideally have 5 years' experience in oil and gas production with 3 years in similar role.
• Technical diploma or equivalent experience.
• Candidate should have Degree (Oil and gas or process) or equivalent vocational qualification.
• Extensive knowledge of ESD and fire and gas systems operation.
• Demonstratable experience and comprehensive knowledge of Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) operations.
• Broad knowledge of oil and gas facility operations with H2S.
• Ability to maintain H2S certification, fit test and lead all safe work including permit to work system.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare written and verbal reports.
• Skills in planning and problem solving.
• Able to work well within an international and multi-cultural environment.
• In depth understanding of technical safety practice.
• Understands and respects company HSE regulations and requirements.
• A pre-requisite is the strong ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written.